LET'S WORK TOGETHER
VA - Let's Stick Together/ Let's Work Together Swarm (A Butterboy Compilation) CD1+CD2+CD3
"Let's Stick Together" is a notable rhythm and blues track that demonstrates the timeless appeal of its core message—unity and commitment. Originally written and recorded by Wilbert Harrison in 1962, the song uses a mid-tempo twelve-bar blues structure, a staple of the R&B genre. Its lyrics center around the sanctity of marriage vows, urging partners to remain devoted and "stick together."
The origins of "Let's Stick Together" were rooted in the success of Harrison's earlier chart-topping single, "Kansas City." However, legal disputes prevented the song's timely release, which may have hindered its initial impact. By 1969, Harrison reimagined the song as "Let's Work Together," modifying the lyrics to promote solidarity and cooperation on a broader scale. This version achieved commercial success, reaching the U.S. Top 40 and inspired various artists to reinterpret the song in later years.
The two songs use the same melody line and structure, but the lyrics differ.
"Let's Stick Together"
Well now the marriage vow is very sacred
The man put us together now you want to make it
Stick together, come on, come on let's stick together
You know we made a vow not to leave one another never
Together we will stand divided we'll fall
Come on now people let's get on the ball
And work together, come on, come on let's work together, now, now people
Say now together we will stand, every boy, girl, woman, and man
Canned Heat, a Los Angeles-based blues-rock band, recorded their rendition of "Let's Work Together" in 1969, which became a hit in the UK, peaking at number two on the charts. Their version retained the song's central melody and structure while giving it a blues-rock makeover. In the United States, their adaptation also enjoyed moderate success, showcasing the song's versatility across different musical landscapes.
One of the most celebrated versions of "Let's Stick Together" came in 1976, when British musician Bryan Ferry released his own rendition. Included in his solo album of the same name, Ferry's version embraced an upbeat and polished style, blending rock and blues elements. The track became Ferry's biggest solo hit in the UK, reaching number four on the charts. His version, characterized by its dynamic instrumentation and engaging rhythm, featured an iconic music video with appearances by model Jerry Hall, his girlfriend at the time.
The enduring popularity of "Let's Stick Together" and its various adaptations speaks to its universal themes and adaptable melody. Whether addressing personal relationships or larger social bonds, the song captures the power of unity and commitment. It has found resonance across decades and genres, solidifying its status as a classic piece of music history.
This collection came together thanks to John Angelatos, friend and regular contributor to the My Compilation series, who mentioned the Canned Heat version of "Let's Work Together" in a shared message. (Thank you, John!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGGW4IezbC4
I hope you enjoy the 60 tracks included here.
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Track lists
CD1
01 Wilbert Harrison - Let's Stick Together 2:46
02 Wilbert Harrison - Let's Work Together 5:35
03 Canned Heat - Let's Work Together 3:12
04 Electric Food - Let's Work Together 2:42
05 Billy Jack - Let's work together 2:29
06 Judd - Let's Work Together 3:29
07 Climax Blues Band - Let's Work Together 7:42
08 Sunlight Chocolate - Let's Stick Together 2:46
09 Top of The Poppers - Let's Stick Together 2:51
10 Nina Simone - Let's Stick Together (Live) 2:04
11 Raful Neal - Let's Work Together 2:40
12 Bob Dylan - Let's Stick Together 3:08
13 Dwight Yoakam - Let's Work Together 3:32
14 John Mayall - Let's Work Together 3:20
15 Status Quo - Let's Work Together 3:41
16 Kentucky Headhunters - Let's Work Together 2:18
17 Leningrad Cowboys - Let's Work Together 2:48
18 Urban Turban - Let's Work Together 3:46
19 Francine Reed - Let's Work Together 4:12
20 Kolumbus Kris - Let's Work Together 2:40
CD2
21 Andy Lloyd - Let's Stick Together 2:43
22 Roscoe Shelton & Earl Gaines - Let's Work Together 4:17
23 Steve Marriott - Let's Work Together 2:32
24 Henry Vestine & The Heat Bros - Let's Work Together 3:25
25 GK Brothers Blues Band - Let's Work Together 4:31
26 Buckwheat Zydeco - Let's Work Together 3:13
27 Siggi Schwarz & The Rock Legends - Let's Work Together 5:15
28 Walter Trout - Let's Work Together (Live) 7:52
29 Bleu Jackson - Let's Work Together 4:28
30 KT Tunstall - Let's Stick Together 3:03
31 Saturday Nite Fish Fry - Let's Stick Together 3:25
32 Firestone Group - Let's Work Together 2:55
33 61 South - Let's Work Together 3:49
34 Ile Kallio - Let's Work Together 2:48
35 Gary John Barden - Let's work together 3:41
36 Showaddywaddy - Let's Work Together 3:08
37 Harvey Mandel - Let's Work Together 2:52
38 David Byron - Let's Work Together 2:39
39 Paul Orta & The Kingpins - Let's Work Together 3:32
40 Straightup Blues Band - Let's Work Together 2:57
CD3
41 Nighthawks - Let's Work Together 3:12
42 Blues Bureau - Let's Work Together 3:29
43 Nightlosers - Let's Work Together 4:15
44 Guardian Angel - Let's Work Together 2:08
45 Ricki and The Flash - Let's Work Together 3:24
46 Buffalo - Let's Work Together 4:04
47 Dave Mell Blues Band - Let's Work Together 4:03
48 Rusty Apollo - Let's Work Together 2:58
49 Smoky Greenwell - Let's Work Together 4:35
50 Bryan Ferry - Let's Stick Together 2:56
51 Phil Manzanera - Let's Stick Together 4:42
52 Groove Doctor Bob - Let's Stick Together 2:57
53 New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers - Let's Work Together 4:24
54 Raw Material - Let's Work Together 2:31
55 Southern Culture on The Skids - Let's Work Together 3:28
56 Blues Company - Let's Work Together 4:59
57 William Shatner - Let's Work Together 2:45
58 Catfish John Tisdell - Let's Work Together 5:00
59 Bryn Haworth - Let's Work Together 3:35
60 Bob Corritore Featuring Pecan Porter - Let's Work Together 3:26
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Music weaves itself into the fabric of our emotions, dances through the corridors of memory, and whispers to the soul of who we are. Sharing these stories deepens the connection, turning the experience into something timeless and profound.
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Really enjoying this compilation a LOT. Always been a favourite of mine (never knew Nina Simone did a version )
ReplyDeleteCan I request, when you get some time, to re-upload the links to your equally good compilation on coffee ?
Best wishes
Hi Baz,
DeleteGlad you are enjoying this swarm. It's an amazing collection that becomes more enjoyable with each listen.
I will reupload Coffee Time over the next few days.
Cheers.
Getting together is the absolute must in any society BB!
ReplyDeleteSee, even the Easters are getting together this year...
Many thanks for the compilation and Happy Easter!
Thank you, John.
DeleteGetting together is indeed an essential part of any society, John.
It's wonderful to see how Easter reminds us of the importance of connection and unity. Thank you so much for your kind words and for appreciating the compilation I'm thrilled that guided me to create this compilation. Wishing you a joyful and meaningful Easter celebration.
Cheers.
I never would have guessed that there were this many covers! Thanks John and BB.
ReplyDeleteAgain as lemonflag said - who knew?! not me! Still a favourite song though I still recall waking up in (under?) a muddy field at about 3am in the morning hearing Canned Heat sing this to me! [it’s a long story!]
ReplyDeleteH Andy Swapp,
DeleteThe Canned Heat version is emotionally wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers.